The Woods County commissioners Monday morning agreed to spend $92,894.58 to replace the ten-year-old radio console that is the heart of the E-911 operations center. E-911 Director Ashley Woodall said because of the age of the equipment, replacement parts are hard to find.

The new console, by Stolz Telcom, is already registered at a state contract price and will be delivered and installed in about six to eight weeks. The commissioners agreed to continue the $8,000 per year maintenance contract. Woodall said the firm had been very responsive and even responded to a problem on Christmas Day.

The commissioners agreed with Ethan Feidler, the emergency manager, to continue the county-wide burn ban for another week. The E-911 director said the burn ban being in place makes handling calls about “can we burn” become easier to handle. Agricultural burning can still take place but must meet strict conditions.

Feidler said he was still working on paperwork for possible federal reimbursement regarding expenses incurred during the ice storm, and is about to begin work on reimbursement for costs in fighting the wild fires. He said the fire near Capron will likely be eligible.

In another report, Ashley Woodall said the E-911 employees attended a seminar on domestic violence held in Woodward. Also, they are trying to put together a rape team to better help police in those types of emergencies. Presently, the E-911 has 12 full-time and three part-time employees.

In other action, the commissioners approved DOT Form 324A for District 1 in the amount of $1,725. They also approved transferring $385,840 for District 2 from the ETR M&O account to the D2 M&O account.

The Monday meeting was chaired by John Smiley in the absence of Randy McMurphy. David Hamil was also in attendance.